Camping near Olympic National Forest

We didn’t feel comfortable driving our class C into any of the nicer, more private spots off of this road due to large potholes, ruts, etc. Since we just needed a place for the night, we decided to just stay at one of the large pullouts, which was fine. We didn’t even need levels. 

Obviously no amenities here, but we were pleasantly surprised that there wasn’t much trash to be found. 

Cell service was good here. Be sure to find a spot in the National Forest, and not the National Park that’s adjacent, because you will definitely get a knock on the door if you try to stay overnight within park boundaries.

The registration process for this campground is confusing, if you show up without reservations like we did. There’s a board with info on it, but ultimately you need to drive back to the lodge where people go for hot springs soaks and register with them there (heads up, the parking lot at the lodge is very RV unfriendly). 

There’s a FHU area as well as non hookup areas, which you can stay in as long as you fit. Ultimately, there wasn’t room for us at the non-hookup campground, and the RV sites were all booked. Recommend reservations for this place!

Imagine a world where moss, funguses, lichen and other epiphytes grow upon the living trees in such vast numbers as to be more noticeable than the massive trees themselves. Imagine wandering down the trail in the middle of this mass of life and observe a herd of Elk browsing on this herbivore salad bar. It’s exceptional. 

The campground is within walking distance of many trailheads, and the visitor’s center. During the day, especially on a weekend, this place will be hopping, and traffic to get into the park is backed up for miles. So, plan accordingly. 

The sites are small but well spaced apart with the usual fire ring and picnic table. Check out the parking space limitations carefully, because this campground was developed back in the day before the massive rig trend. Its age makes it nonetheless charming, as we love these classic campgrounds. The bathrooms were recently renovated and offered flush toilets and running water, but no showers (we grabbed a shower for a fee at the general store, campground, restaurant down the road). Freshwater spigots and group dishwashing sinks available near the bathrooms– why aren’t these more regular throughout the NPS system?  We were able to find a reservation with little planning- using Dyrt Alerts! 

Activities abound in this part of the park, road cycling, hiking in the forest, or day trips to the beach areas along the coastal road– just be mindful of traffic. Returning to the campground in the early evening shouldn’t cause too much pain as the worst traffic is between 10am- 4pm. The nearest town with groceries, laundry and restaurants is Forks, about 75 minutes away.

Imagine a world where moss, funguses, lichen and other epiphytes grow upon the living trees in such vast numbers as to be more noticeable than the massive trees themselves. Imagine wandering down the trail in the middle of this mass of life and observe a herd of Roosevelt Elk browsing on this herbivore salad bar. It’s exceptional. 

The campground is within walking distance of many trailheads, and the visitor’s center. During the day, especially on a weekend, this place will be hopping, and traffic to get into this part of the park is backed up for miles. So, plan accordingly. The sites are small but well spaced apart with the usual fire ring and picnic table. Check out the parking space limitations carefully, because this campground was developed back in the day before the massive rig trend. Its age makes it nonetheless charming, as we love these classic campgrounds. We were able to find a reservation with little planning- using Dyrt Alerts!

The bathrooms were recently renovated and offered flush toilets and running water, but no showers (we grabbed a shower for a small fee at the general store/campground/restaurant down the road). Freshwater spigots and group dishwashing sinks available near the bathrooms– why aren’t these more regular throughout the NPS system?  

Activities abound in this part of the park, road cycling, hiking in the forest, or day trips to the beach areas along the coastal road– just be mindful of traffic. Returning to the campground in the early evening shouldn’t cause too much pain as the worst traffic is between 10am- 4pm. The nearest town with groceries, laundry and restaurants is Forks, about 75 minutes away.